Philippians 4:5a

“Let your gentleness be evident to all.”

Today’s verse is just seven words, but they sure do pack a punch. The main point of this verse is an understanding of the rich meaning of the Greek word from which we get the word “gentleness.” Here is a great description I found of this kind of Christian:

They do not always insist on every right or letter of the law or custom. They do not seek to retaliate. They are willing to give and take instead of always standing rigidly on their rights. This is the person who is yielding his rights and is therefore gentle, kind, courteous, tolerant or as one has described it exhibits a “sweet reasonableness” or an ability to extend to others the kindly consideration one would wish to receive themselves. The gentle person is not spineless but selfless.

Imagine if your behavior were gentle and “evident to all.” Imagine if it became your reputation, not only out in public, but more importantly, at home. Imagine if it became the benchmark by which your family decides how to react to one another. Once you begin to ponder the beauty of this short passage, it will become abundantly clear why it made it into the Bible.

APPLICATION: Take turns reading through the description of the “gentle” person. Discuss what this would look like in your home if you all begin to live more like that every day. Finally, pray and ask the Lord to help you practice what you all just preached!